Luke Smerdon was recognised behind his mask when he robbed shop over the road from home (Image: Devon and Cornwall Police)

Julia Cox, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the victim was alone on the shop floor at about 10pm in McColl’s in Costly Street.

She added a hooded man with a scarf over the lower part of his face marched up to her.

Miss Cox said he was carrying a knife with a five-inch blade and demanded that she open the till.

The barrister added that the shop worker was shocked and stumbled over a box, grabbing a screen to support herself.

Miss Cox said: “Smerdon said to her words to the effect of ‘Don’t try anything’. He repeated for her to open the till and held the knife to her stomach area. It made contact with her but did not cause her any harm.”

She added that in panic she struggled to open the touch screen-electronic till.

PCSO Judith Serpell and PC Martin Perry, beat manger in Ivybridge

Miss Cox said: “She said to him, ‘give me ten seconds’. He said he would give her two and began to count down, putting her under significant pressure.”

She added that Smerdon leant over and grabbed £290 from the till before leaving the store.

The barrister said the robber had worn a distinctive oversized jacket and it was recovered bearing Smerdon’s DNA in nearby Victoria Park.

Miss Nepean told the court sitting yards from her tormenter that she was off work for four weeks after the raid. She said that she only felt safe at home and was considering giving up her job at McColl’s.

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Kevin Hopper, for Smerdon, said: “It seems the height of stupidity to rob the shop across the road where he lives. He has regularly used the shop before and she effectively recognised him.”

He added the defendant’s father had died in May.

Plymouth Crown Court (Image: Penny Cross)

Mr Hopper said: “He was a heavy drinker before and becomes very rapidly alcohol dependant. He went to Australia between May and August and he spent all his money on drink.

“He found himself in a very, very dark place. His life has spiralled way out of control. He cannot give her (the victim) any explanation as to why. He would like to apologise to her if he had the chance.